Geraldine Mae Shaffer

Geraldine Mae Shaffer, 94, died Tuesday, September 20, 2016, at her home in Vinton following a brief illness.

Funeral services will be held 10:30 a.m. Friday, September 23, 2016, at Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton with Rev. Sue Thomas officiating. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday, September 22, at Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home in Vinton and one hour prior to services at the church on Friday. Interment will be in Evergreen Cemetery, Vinton.

Geraldine was born July 27, 1922, on the family farm in Elgin, Iowa, the daughter of James D. and Lola Kiple Yearous. She graduated from Elgin High School.

On April 14, 1940, Geraldine was united in marriage with Gerald E. Shaffer in Traer, Iowa. The couple lived and farmed in Elgin and Vinton, raising and breeding purebred Hereford cattle. In 1959, they moved to Vinton to be closer to their son, Jim, who was attending the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School. In 1988, the couple moved to Texas. They returned to Vinton in 1995. They enjoyed singing together at weddings and other church events. Gerald preceded her in death on December 2, 2007.

Geraldine was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church in Vinton where she served as UMW President for several years. She also participated in Circle.

Geraldine was a huge Chicago Cubs fan. She was an avid bridge player and enjoyed playing the piano at church and home. She was a wonderful homemaker. Her home was always organized and spotless. She adored her grandchildren and loved having them come visit.

Geraldine is survived by two children: James “Jim” (Lynn) Shaffer of Pflugerville, TX, and Carol (George) Geater of Vinton; five grandchildren: Bryon (Kelly) Geater, Julie (Jeff) Manatrey, Lori (Ryan) Heins, Andrea (Dave) Evans and Kevin (LaTierra) Shaffer; 11 great-grandchildren: Kelsey (Dustin) McClure, Nathan (Beth) Geater, Jessie and Jenna Manatrey, Taylor, Morgan and Trevor Rommann, Kaitlyn Heins, Sonnie and Kail Evans and Alister “Max” Shaffer; three great-great-grandchildren: Bryson, Gavynn and Josh; and two sisters: Darlene Shaffer of Volga and Kathlene Glass-Eble of Clermont.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and daughter Rebecca in 1977.

A memorial fund has been established.

Van Steenhuyse-Russell Funeral Home of Vinton is caring for Geraldine and her family. Condolences may be left at vsrfh.com.